OVERVIEW OF GREEK AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS No. 24 (24/07/2023) (17 – 23 July 2023)
OVERVIEW
GREEK AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
No. 24
(24/07/2023)
(17 - 23 July 2023)
Editorial team: Margarita Antoniou, Alexandros Katranis, Panagiotis Mintsidis, George Sideris[1]
49 years of invasion and occupation of Cyprus
When will Europe's last wall fall?
- ISSUES OF GREEK INTEREST
Generally about Greece
Greek foreign and defense policy
Greek Foreign Minister Calls for Precautionary Measures to Ensure NATO Weapons Are Not Used Against NATO Allies
Athens, 20.07.2023 19:40 BTA Bulgaria
In a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stressed Greece's firm position that international law and international treaties must be respected. Gerapetritis also stressed that it is important "when making decisions on the supply of defense equipment to NATO member states to ensure that NATO weapons are not used against NATO allies."
Greek-Turkish
The controversy over the appeal to The Hague and the concern over the Prime Minister's statement about a "fundamental" difference with Turkey... Will we win or lose?
(18 / 07 / 2023)
What is and what is NOT true about the “improvement” of Greek-Turkish relations: The Hague, sovereignty, concessions and misunderstandings…
(18 / 07 / 2023)
"Lausanne is not a sacred text, of course we will discuss it," said Tayyip Erdogan: The Turkish "Sultan" likes to play the role of "chameleon"...
(18 / 07 / 2023)
Minorities
Greek forestry
The General Assembly of the World Inter-Parliamentary Union of Hellenism will begin on Thursday - New leadership will be elected
(19 / 07 / 2023)
- CYPRUS
Cyprus ready to trade Turkey's EU accession process in favor of settlement talks
(20 / 07 / 2023)
The Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns Erdogan's illegal visit to the occupied areas of Cyprus
Nicosia, 21.07.2023 18:45 BTA Bulgaria
The Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unequivocally condemned the illegal visit of the Turkish President to the occupied territories on the anniversary of the Turkish invasion, as well as the provocative statements on the Cyprus issue that question the agreed framework for a bi-communal and bi-zonal federation. This was conveyed to the Bulgarian BTA by the Cypriot news agency KYPE, in accordance with the agreement on the exchange of information between the two bodies.
Such rhetoric, the ministry said, aims to encourage the "recognition" of the illegal separatist entity and works against any prospect of resolving the Cyprus problem at a time when the Republic of Cyprus is making intensive efforts to restart talks within the agreed UN framework.
In a press release last night, the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled that July 20 marks 49 years since the illegal Turkish invasion of 1974, which resulted in the continued occupation of 37% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus by 45.000 Turkish soldiers, and the violent displacement of 200.000 Greek Cypriots.
"Regardless of how many years have passed, the Cyprus problem remains an international issue involving illegal invasion and occupation, in violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter," the Cypriot Foreign Ministry said.
Erdogan inaugurated a new airport terminal in Northern Cyprus
Nicosia, 20.07.2023 15:55 BTA Bulgaria
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Northern Cyprus today to take part in celebrations marking the 1974 Turkish invasion and officially opened a new terminal at Ercan Airport, Cyprus Mail reports.
The publication notes that the visit is the fourth stop on Erdogan's tour of the Middle East, during which he visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Erdogan was welcomed at the new terminal by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and other officials from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which is recognized only by Ankara.
Following his arrival, a ceremony was held to inaugurate the new terminal. Erdogan said the airport has an annual capacity of 10 million passengers, making it the largest airport on the island.
He said he hopes the completion of the airport's construction "will help stabilize the region" and expressed his desire for the airport to also serve international flights.
"I call on the international community to heed the call of then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who admitted that there is no UN resolution that justifies the isolation of our Turkish Cypriot brothers, and I call on them to lift these restrictions," he said.
https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/balkans/493935-erdogan-otkri-nov-terminal-na-letishteto-v-severen-kipar
This is an excellent question, but it follows a very difficult answer: Is it possible to “solve” the Greek-Turkish conflict and “forget” the Cyprus problem?
(23 / 07 / 2023)
- TURKEY
Generally about Turkey
Turkey's Baykar signs largest drone deal with Saudi Arabia
Sale of advanced Akinci reflects major thaw between regional powers
(18 / 07 / 2023)
Turkey's defense and aerospace industry exports increased in 2022
Pan.bg July 18, 2023 | 11:54
Turkey's defense and aerospace industry exports maintained steady growth, recording a 37,5% increase in 2022, according to new industry data.
SASAD, an organization of Turkish defense and aerospace industry exporters, said total exports in 2022 reached $4,4 billion, up from $3,2 billion in 2021.
Turkish foreign and defense policy
Turkey's candidate, supported by Athens, lost: Nicosia welcomes the election of the new Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization
(18 / 07 / 2023)
Kurdish
- BALKANS
Eyeing Schengen, Bulgaria looks to close 'Russian port'
(20 / 07 / 2023)
"Green light" for the Bulgarian minority from the government of North Macedonia: The regulation for amending the Constitution is in the Parliament
(18 / 07 / 2023)
The Beleris case at the center of Gerapetritis' contacts with the Commission and the European Parliament
(18 / 07 / 2023)
- WEST
USA
State Department responds to Erdogan: United States unwaveringly supports UN resolutions on Cyprus
(21 / 07 / 2023)
Europe
Euractiv: German far-right working for 'controlled dissolution' of EU
Pan.bg July 14, 2023 | 11:27
The far-right German party Alternative for Germany (AfD) will base its campaign in the upcoming European elections on the idea of a controlled dissolution of the European Union, writes Euractiv. As the leader of the political force, Tino Chroupala, told the portal, the unification should only be an economic zone – https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/german-far-right-works-for-eus- controlled-dissolution /
"We are calling for an alignment of Europe so that we can harness the potential of nation-states and rebuild the bridge to the east. The EU is only an economic zone and must remain that way," the AfD leader explained.
He also added that the EU is currently delegating national competences without being able to replace the nation state. Khrupala stressed that the sanctions against Russia are a clear example of the bloc's illegality, as they are not in the interest of citizens and have led to rising inflation and recession.
“The EU should be replaced by a new European economic community based on interests, a union of European nations,” he said. “The prospects for implementing the proposal are good, as the global trend is in our favor,” Khrupala concluded.
Earlier, Greece, Italy and Poland had been named as the most likely candidates to leave the EU.
Romania horrified by inhumane abuse in care centers for the disabled
(12 / 07 / 2023)
- EUROPEAN UNION
The return of EU enlargement
(20 / 07 / 2023)
It is impossible to restart the accession process for Turkey: A drastic change of course is required from the Erdogan government * European Parliament Annual Report
(18 / 07 / 2023)
EU aims to be 'partner of choice' for Latam, Caribbean in pivot from China, Russia
(18 / 07 / 2023)
The 27 do not trust Erdogan, they wonder about the resumption of talks: Should the EU reach out to Turkey or wait?
(21 / 07 / 2023)
Viktor Orban criticized the EU in a speech at the Summer University in Romania
Bucharest, 22.07.2023 17:16 BTA Bulgaria
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told Romania on Tuesday that opening up to the East is important because we need a “global economy, not a closed and rigid European Union,” the Agerpress news agency reported. In a speech at the Romanian Summer University, Orban also repeated his attacks on so-called “LGBTQ” and said his nationalist government would defend the country’s Christian roots.
Orban expressed hope that next year's European Parliament elections will strengthen the positions of EU governments that reject the "federalism" represented by Germany and France.
Reuters recalls that the Hungarian prime minister has long been a critic of Brussels and in 2021 promoted a law that would ban the use of material promoting homosexuality and transgenderism in Hungarian schools. In addition to the issue of “LGBTQ propaganda,” as the Hungarian prime minister usually calls it, he is at odds with Brussels on other issues, such as the rule of law and media reforms, Hungary’s judicial system and others, Reuters notes.
Is the EU an empire or (individual) nations? We should have no illusions: the federalists are trying to push us away, Orbán said. He noted that they “openly wanted a change of government (in 2022) in Hungary” and added that the same is now happening in Poland, where parliamentary elections will be held in the fall.
According to him, the balance between federalists and nations unwilling to cede more powers to Brussels was disrupted when Britain left the bloc, and now only Warsaw and Budapest maintain their anti-federal positions.
Speaking at the Summer University in the Romanian town of Baile Tusnad, Orbán said that Hungary knows that power in the world is currently divided between two poles, namely China and the United States. The Hungarian prime minister pointed out that in recent years, investments in Hungary have mainly come from South Korea, China and Japan. In his words, the Hungarian economy has finally found itself on the map of the global market – “33 years after the collapse of the communist economic system.”
“We are already competitive everywhere in the world, but we need a global market, a global economy, not a closed, ossified European Union, in which we will become regional players again. We want investments, we want profit, we want to strengthen our power, so opening up to the East is important,” Orban said, according to a translation provided by organizers, Agerpress reported.
According to him, the attempt to separate Russia from the European economy will not harm his country, “because Russia’s raw materials will be bought from other parts of the world.” According to Orbán, large European companies “don’t even want to leave Russia.”
- FORMER SOVIET SPACE
Russia
Putin will not attend the BRICS summit – South African presidency
19.07.2023 BBC
The Russian president will not attend a summit in South Africa next month, according to the country's presidency.
The announcement comes after the South African leader said that any attempt to arrest Vladimir Putin would be a declaration of war against Russia.
If Putin had left Russian territory, an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant would have been issued.
South Africa has signed the ICC and is expected to assist in the arrest of Mr. Putin.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will represent the country at the two-day summit.
However, Mr Putin will participate in the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) summit via video link, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to Russian media.
Brics is seen by some as an alternative to the G7
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66247067
Food Supplies at Risk as Russia Wrecks Ukraine's Grain Exports Again
(21 / 07 / 2023)
Poland's deployment of border troops concerns Russia
(21 / 07 / 2023)
Cracks' visible in Putin's leadership, senior UK officials say
In Prague and in Aspen, Britain's top diplomat and a leading spy argue Prigozhin's mutiny is devastating for the autocrat in Moscow.
(19 / 07 / 2023)
https://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/19/uk-officials-putin-leadership-00107097
The underground Crimean Tatar group taking up arms against Russia
The Atesh guerrilla group is active behind Russian lines, and leaders of the Indigenous movement say they are ready if they can get the weapons
(17 / 07 / 2023)
Ukraine
Ukraine will become stronger and will never give up its sovereignty, Zelensky said
Kyiv, 17.07.2023 06:17 BTA Bulgaria
Ukraine will never give up its sovereignty, will become stronger every year and will help other countries protect their sovereignty and build common security, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his latest speech, according to DPA and Ukrinform.
“Our country will never give up its sovereignty. This is already obvious to everyone in the world. And whatever Russian terrorism, we know that Ukrainian freedom will be preserved and triumph. Every year Ukraine will become stronger and help other free countries protect their sovereignty and build common security,” Zelensky promised.
Ukraine counter-offensive is far from failure – US general
(19 / 07 / 2023)
https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-counter-offensive-is-far-failure-us-general-2023-07-18/
War in Ukraine: Vladimir Putin promises response after 'terrorist' attack on Crimean bridge
Moscow has blamed Ukraine for the incident – in which two people were killed – but Kiev has not officially said it was responsible.
The Kerch Bridge opened in 2018 and allows road and rail travel between Russia and Crimea – Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia in 2014.
Russia's Transport Ministry said the bridge's supports were not damaged.
The ministry said investigations were continuing, but unconfirmed reports said explosions were heard early Monday.
Russian authorities accused Ukraine of attacking the Kerch bridge with two “unmanned surface vessels” (USVs) – drones that fly over water rather than in the air.
So far, the BBC has not seen any visual evidence to confirm this.
However, a source belonging to the Ukrainian security service told BBC Russian that they were behind the attack and that drones flying over water were used.
In televised comments on Monday night, the Russian president accused Ukraine of launching the "senseless" and "cruel" attack.
The attack on the bridge has destroyed the road, but the railway line running parallel to it has not been damaged.
The bridge is a major supply route for Russian forces occupying parts of southern Ukraine.
Appearing on television with Mr Putin, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said the bridge would be fully repaired by November 1, while road traffic would resume in one direction from September 15.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66218869
Zelensky: Crimean bridge must be neutralized
Aspen Colorado USA, 22.07.2023 06:27 BTA Bulgaria
The illegally constructed bridge across the Kerch Strait, connecting Russia with Crimea, must be neutralized, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told participants at the Security Forum in Aspen, Colorado, last night via video link, CNN reported and Ukrinform reported.
“The Crimean bridge is not just a logistical link, it is a road used to supply the war with ammunition, and this is done every day… Therefore, it is understandable, this is our goal. Any goal that brings war and not peace must be neutralized,” Zelensky said.
In his words, the Crimean bridge is "a hostile installation, built illegally, contrary to international laws and all applicable norms."
Zelensky reiterated that the goal of the Ukrainian authorities is to "take back all of Crimea."
"This is our sovereign territory, an inalienable part of our country," he said.
https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/world/494810-zelenski-krimskiyat-most-tryabva-da-bade-neutraliziran
NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander: The Alliance informed Zelensky of its reluctance to enter into conflict with the Russian Federation /VIDEO/
Pan.bg July 21, 2023 | 10:18
Mircea Geoana assessed Kiev's chances of joining the military alliance.
At the summer summit in Vilnius on July 11-12, NATO leadership explained to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that an invitation to Kiev to join the North Atlantic military alliance would lead to a regional conflict with Russia, which is not currently included in the plans of the bloc's countries. NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana made the relevant statement during a speech at a security forum organized by the Aspen Institute in Colorado, USA.
At the same time, he is confident that Ukraine has come close to joining NATO.
"I said we cannot invite Ukraine today because that would mean NATO would come into conflict with Russia, that is why there is no invitation," said Mircea Geoana, NATO's deputy secretary general.
In Kyiv, they want to conclude bilateral security guarantees before the end of the year.
Pentagon watchdog finds some Western weaponry sent to Ukraine was stolen before being recovered last year
(21 / 07 / 2023)
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/20/politics/pentagon-watchdog-report-ukraine-weaponry/index.html
President Radev: Ukraine wants to continue the conflict, but Europe is paying the full bill
Pan.bg July 16, 2023 | 18:05
Ukrainian authorities want hostilities to continue, despite the consequences for other countries in the region, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said in a conversation with journalists.
"Ukraine insists on continuing the war, but Europe is footing the entire bill," he said.
According to Radev, European leaders are "frenziedly trying to convince us that sending military aid to Ukraine increases our security."
However, he noted, the conflict is intensifying, the number of victims is increasing.
Belarus
Caucasus
Central Asia
- MIDDLE EAST
US and Israeli presidents discuss Iran and Palestinian issue
Pan.bg July 19, 2023 | 09:36
US President Joe Biden and Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog at the White House discussed regional and global issues, particularly the controversial judicial reform in Israel, Iran, and the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
The White House statement said the leaders discussed preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and coordinating defense cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.
Biden and Herzog also discussed “the need for a coordinated approach” to Israel’s controversial judicial reform.
The presidents of the United States and Israel exchanged views on the issue of cooperation to solve global problems such as climate change, the pandemic, and food security.
"President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to finding an agreed-upon solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the establishment of two states, which is the best path to a lasting and just peace and freedom, prosperity and security for Israelis and Palestinians. The President stressed the need to take additional measures to improve the security and economic situation in the West Bank and prevent terrorist attacks," the statement said.
The statement said the leaders also discussed opportunities to advance Israel's regional integration to ensure a more peaceful and prosperous environment in the Middle East.
- AFRICA
Wagner troops arrive in Central African Republic ahead of referendum
(17 / 07 / 2023)
Lessons From a New Era of African Statecraft
African populations are eager for partners and reform in the international system, the United States should embrace change.
(18 / 07 / 2023)
Escalating violence in Congo displaces more people and demands urgent response, UN and aid groups say
(19 / 07 / 2023)
- Mediterranean
- BLACK SEA
White House says US not ready to protect ships in Black Sea
Pan.bg July 20, 2023 | 01:09
"The United States of America is not ready to announce measures to support the movement of ships to Ukrainian ports," the statement said.
Earlier, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said that the United States is discussing with the Kiev authorities a proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to extend the grain agreement without the participation of the Russian Federation.
He stressed that the American side with allies, including those from the European Union, are discussing other ideas for exporting agricultural products from Ukraine, but all alternative options are far from ideal.
Earlier, UN Secretary-General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a briefing that Antonio Guterres would explore all possible options to ensure the export of agricultural products from Russia and Ukraine.
- CHINA
The threat of heated US-Chinese engagement: Let the change in the global chessboard happen peacefully... After all, this is what Freedom and Democracy demand...
(23 / 07 / 2023)
China says its 'priority' is to stop Taiwan VP visiting US next month
(20 / 07 / 2023)
- ASIA - AUSTRALIA - PEACEFUL
14. LATIN AMERICA
The EU sides with Argentina on the Falklands: It rejected a move by Great Britain and recognizes them as the Malvinas, 41 years after the war
(21 / 07 / 2023)
Far-right VOX tries to promote Spain's 'civilising' role in Latin America
(18 / 07 / 2023)
TOPICS
Polymers
BRICS has the potential to create a new world order, said the president of the Republic of South Africa
Pretoria, 19.07.2023 06:17 BTA Bulgaria
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, the Republic of South Africa) is capable of changing the existing world order by making it fairer, the President of the Republic of South Africa, Ramaphosa, said last night, according to TASS.
“BRICS already unites 40% of the world’s population and our union’s cooperation can be a catalyst for creating a safer and more just world order,” Ramaphosa said in his speech at a reception on the occasion of the Johannesburg meeting of political parties from the BRICS countries. “We must seek solutions to the problems of poverty, hunger and sustainable development in the interests of the global South,” he added.
22 countries have submitted official applications to join BRICS
Pan.bg July 20, 2023 | 17:40
South Africa's BRICS envoy Anil Shuklal said that 22 countries have submitted formal applications to join BRICS.
"Twenty-two countries have officially applied to become members of BRICS," the source said.
Shuklal also added that about the same number of countries have expressed an informal desire to join BRICS. The list of countries wishing to become members of the association has not yet been announced.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt have expressed such a desire.
Earlier it was announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will speak remotely at the BRICS summit on August 23.
International security
Immigration
Economy – Energy
What to Do About Radical Uncertainty
(21 / 07 / 2023)
It's FINAL: Construction of the EuroAsia Interconnector begins, connecting Israel with Cyprus and Greece... Extremely important development (video)
(19 / 07 / 2023)
Culture
[1] The Weekly Update on Greek and International Developments (EEDE) is prepared under the responsibility of the Editorial Team and does not express the views of ELISME.